Winchester introduced the Model 72 in the Spring of 1938, it was essentially like the earlier Model 69 except for a higher capacity tubular magazine that extended beneath the barrel rather than the box magazine of the Model 69. Winchester manufactured the Model 72 from 1938 to 1942 when production was discontinued so manufacturing efforts could be directed towards wartime needs. Production was started up again after the war and it carried on until 1959 when the model was discontinued. Standard Model 72 rifles came equipped with a rear peep sight, rifles could also be obtained with open or 'sporting' sights. Winchester's designation for the sporting sight rifles was 72A. Total Model 72 / 72A production reached 161400 rifles.

– Model 72, .22 short, long and LR rimfire, 25” barrel length, , metal is in 99% like new condition, wood is 99%, rarely encountered highest condition throughout, original Winchester butt plate, an original and unaltered example of this model from the golden years of Winchester, personal collection since new. 13 5/8 LOP 6 lbs., 1oz.